Birth Control Pills & Hair Loss
A: I have heard of some women experiencing changes in their hair, including hair loss, while on birth control pills.
Hormonal Connection
Since birth control pills are hormone-based treatments, they logically can have an effect on the body apart from simply preventing pregnancy. The hormones in birth control influence many systems, and because hair growth is closely tied to hormonal balance, some women notice changes in thickness or shedding after starting a new pill.Birth control pills contain different types of progestins. Some progestins have higher androgenic (male hormone-like) activity, which can shrink hair follicles and trigger thinning in sensitive individuals; especially those with a personal or family history of androgenic alopecia. Switching to a low-androgenic or anti-androgenic pill, can make that risk drop significantly.
Hair Growth Cycles
Hair goes through different cycles: growth, rest, and shedding. A sudden hormonal shift can cause a condition called telogen effluvium, where a large number of hairs enter the shedding phase at once.But hair growth cycles take time. Shedding triggered by a hormonal change usually shows up 2 to 4 months after starting or changing a medication. Because you’ve only been on your new pill for a few weeks, it is possible this shedding was triggered by something that happened a few months ago, rather than your new prescription.
Hair loss can also stem from stress, recent illness, rapid weight loss, iron or nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, or other medications. Sometimes several factors overlap, making it tricky to pinpoint a single cause without a professional evaluation.
Medical Guidance
This falls clearly under the heading of medical consideration, so my strongest advice is to speak with your doctor. Be sure to tell him or her about the exact timing of the shedding, as well as any other life changes or illnesses from the past 3 to 6 months.If your pill does turn out to be the culprit, your doctor can guide you toward alternative options with low androgenic activity. In the meantime, don't stop taking your birth control without medical advice. Doing so not only leaves you unprotected against pregnancy, but the sudden drop in hormones can potentially trigger another temporary round of shedding.
This answer is intended for informational purposes only. For medical advice or a diagnosis, contact a doctor.
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See also:
Hair loss
Pregnancy pill and faster hair growth
Changes in the hair brought about by hormonal changes